Brighton: At age 84, Martha passed peacefully away Sunday, September 5, 2021. Born in Wrights, in McKean County Pennsylvania on March 13, 1937, the second daughter of Mary (Cook) and Ralph Nelson. She had resided in Brighton, living with her daughter for the past 5 years, having moved there from Port Allegany. Martha was a graduate of Port Allegany High School, class of 1954.
A gifted musician, she co-owned a music store in downtown Port Allegany, soon after high school, and taught piano lessons for many decades, bringing the love of music to hundreds of students. She was a newspaper reporter, photographer and columnist, retiring approximately 7 years ago. She served all who read the Buffalo Courier Express, Olean Times Herald, Wellsville Daily Reporter, and the Port Allegany Reporter Argus with intelligent and insightful reporting about the events in their communities. Martha was a member of the AHRC in Allegany County and was passionate about bringing inclusion into the lives of disabled individuals. She was involved in the Democratic Party, including campaigns and raising awareness of issues. An artistic, creative person, she was a partner in the Lumen-Essence Stained Glass Studio, and her sketches assisted with bringing many beautiful stained glass lamps and windows to life, including windows in churches in Oramel, Olean and Port Allegany.
In her later years, she opened her home to people who needed shelter or a room to rent, and helped to deliver Meals on Wheels. Marti shared her knowledge of technology with others through her business, Sound Ideas. She was also a member of Port Allegany Planning Commission, Garden Club, the Senior Center and the Portage Valley Cemetery Association. Recently, she greatly enjoyed keeping in touch with people online, via Brighton Next Door, Facebook, Port Allegany Remember When and similar sites.
She is survived by her children, Dona Joi Freeman, and Nelson Wade (Shelley) Jewell, and her step-son, Tristan Speeth, her grandchildren Michael (Danielle) Jewell, Alyssa Jewell, Samantha (Ravi) Jewell, and Jewell Freeman. She is also survived by her sister, Sylvia (Mahlon) Davenport, her nieces. Susan (Ed) Harper, and Carey (Barry) Boyer, and her nephew, John Davenport. She will be remembered by many other relatives and friends.
In keeping with Marti’s wishes there will be no formal calling hours or funeral services. However, friends and family are invited to celebrate Marti’s life from 11AM-2PM on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Eddie’s on Main, 212 N Main St, Port Allegany, PA 16743. Please follow current CDC safety guidelines in regards to Covid-19. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I worked with Martha at the Olean Times Herald. She always impressed me with the depth of her understanding of her community. My condolences to her family.
How sad we are to hear of Martha’s passing. She was a dear friend of the Baumgarner family and she will be greatly missed.
Sincere condolences to Nelson/Shelley and the rest of he family on your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort.